Seems Like Common Sense, Right?

ORIGINALLY POSTED Friday, January 12, 2007

Already I have received feedback on my blog. A reader has asked for more information on the Strategic Plan. So, here's the skinny...

The Strategic Plan is a statement of goals and objectives so basic you might wonder why they need to be written at all.

For example, we should be doing whatever we can to attract new business. Not only for the revenue but for the jobs. We should be doing what we can to make sure current businesses have everything they need to thrive in Aurora. We should be establishing a reputation as a town that welcomes business .

Seems like common sense, right?

Well, no - hang on a bit - common sense used to be the standard - not any more. There are new kids in town. Different standards.

Aurora Cable has been in business in Aurora forty years. It's a family business, started literally from a one-man operation, now having an annual payroll of $2.5 million. They have grown lockstep with the town. Their contribution to the social fabric of the community is immeasurable. They cover every organization, and every event. They provide financial support to organizations. They have provided generations of young people with the opportunity to gain skills in every aspect of the television business, and go on to have a professional career. Bless their hearts, they even cover our council meetings.

Aurora Cable's plant has always been situated on eleven acres of land at the end of Ridge Road. The property is designated for the function. They need a secure and constant source of energy as brown outs create havoc with the equipment. Some years ago they decided they had to do something to meet their new needs. They researched their options and decided it would be best for their purpose, and the environment, if they used wind turbines. They made plans, came to the town to discover our requirements and took staff advice.

Seems like common sense, right?

The Oak Ridges Moraine Act required they make an application for a variance to the Committee of Adjustment. They did that. The fee was $450. They paid that. There is a wait for a hearing date. They waited. Come the hearing, neighbours objected. The Committee found the proposed use was permissible and set out some conditions.

Neighbours filed an Appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board. Five more months of waiting. Neighbours had legal representation. Aurora Cable had legal representation. The Ontario Municipal Board found the use was permissible (yet again!), and set out some conditions (yet again!).

At the last meeting of the last council, on the eve of the election, neighbours came and read out provincial regulations and stated the town had the responsibility to enforce conditions
immediately.

Seven council members were present. Staff advised the Aurora Cable project is a work in progress. Staff advice was not accepted. Neighbours advice was accepted. Staff were directed by a vote of four to three to enforce the conditions.

Fast forward -- new council -- the neighbours came back to complain that staff failed to follow council's directive. Staff again advised work is underway.

Another vote was cast. This time the results were five to three ... a written report was required from staff...to what end was not immediately apparent.

Almost two years have passed since Aurora Cable first approached the town for direction. They now have all the legal authority needed to proceed with their plans. Council continues to cast doubt.

Where's the sense in that?

So, we publicly endorse fine statements of principle and make a good impression. However, if the will is not there to follow through, the principles are not worth the paper they are printed on, let alone the public funds spent to assemble them. The Hydro Building and Aurora Cable's experience are not isolated incidents. There has been a consistent pattern.

Another statement in the Strategic Plan cites the intention of striving for openness and transparency.

Just think what it could be like if you were really paying attention.